SEQUATCHIE CAVE
CLASS II NATURAL-SCIENTIFIC STATE NATURAL AREA

DESCRIPTION:

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Sequatchie Cave is a 10-acre natural area located in Marion County. It is biologically significant area located where Owen Spring Branch flows from the mouth of the cave at Sequatchie Cave Park in Marion County. The cave and its cold spring water support three federally and state listed species, three species of state concern, and many other aquatic and cave species. This is one of two sites where the federally endangered royal snail (Pyrgulopsis ogmorphaphe) is known in the world. Both are in Marion County. This is also the site where the rare caddisfly (Glyphopsyche sequatchie) was first described, making it the type locality for this species from which the official description derives.

The site is a former Tennessee Department of Transportation roadside park. It was renamed "Sequatchie Cave Park" in 1999 and is managed by the Marion County Highway Department on behalf of the Marion County Conservation Committee. The water supply at Owen Spring is in part, why the Sequatchie was first settled. The mix of ecological, cultural, and historical values makes Sequatchie Cave a unique area.

SITE MANAGEMENT:

Marion County Government, P.O. Box 789, Courthouse, Jasper, TN 37347, phone (423) 942-2552; Marion County Conservation Committee, c/o Doris Sutton, 518 Shady Grove Road, Sequatchie, TN 37374, phone (423) 942-8899; Division of Natural Areas, 401 Church Street, 7th Floor L&C Annex, Nashville, TN 37243, phone (615) 532-0431.

PUBLIC ACCESS:

Public access is allowed but is limited. The natural area is operated by Marion County Government. Parking and a picnic area are available. Cave trips must be coordinated through the Division of Natural Areas.

DIRECTIONS:

Sequatchie Cave is located five miles north of Jasper. The site is accessed via Highway 27; turn on Park Street in the community of Sequatchie.